1740 Bronze Medal Admiral Vernon, A-C NLv 4-D

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,800 AU55 08-24-2023 Stack's Bowers

Description

This 1740 bronze medal, cataloged as Adams-Chao NLv 4-D, is notable for its 1740 date, placing it among the second wave of Vernon medals produced a year after the Porto Bello victory. The NLv 4 obverse die features Vernon's portrait, while the D reverse is shared with other NLv die pairings including the 5-D variety. Die sharing was common practice among medal producers — reverse dies were expensive to cut, so a single reverse might be paired with multiple obverse dies to create different varieties economically. Struck in copper alloy (AE), this 1740-dated piece shows that Vernon's popularity endured well beyond the initial excitement of late 1739. The Admiral remained in the Caribbean through 1740, conducting additional operations including the disastrous 1741 attack on Cartagena, but the Porto Bello victory continued to dominate public consciousness. The 1740 date on this medal may reflect either continuing demand for Vernon memorabilia or anticipation of further triumphs.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The 1740-dated NLv varieties are less common than the 1739 issues.

Cross References

A-C NLv 4-D; PCGS #922845